News

Travel disruption warning as May Day targeted for latest round of French protests

A warning of more travel chaos for the May Day weekend has been issued as French workers continue protests against plans to raise the pensions age.

A strike by UK Border Force on Friday (April 28) is likely to compound difficulties for travellers attempting to cross the Channel at the start of the long weekend.

In updated travel advice for France, the Foreign Office said that trade unions have announced “large-scale demonstrations and co-ordinated industrial action” on May 1.

Multiple sectors will be affected, including transport networks.


More: EasyJet ‘in better place’ to cope with airport disruption

BA chief promises no repeat of last summer’s disruption


“Industrial action may start the evening before the strike day and run for several days,” the travel alert said.

“You should monitor the media, check the latest advice with operators before travelling, avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.

“Since mid-March there have been spontaneous protests in central Paris and elsewhere in France. Protests are likely to take place and could occur with little notice. Some protests have turned violent. The protests may lead to disruptions to road travel.”

The Foreign Office alert added: “UK Border Force strikes may cause travel disruption for people entering the UK on 28 April. 

“There may be delays when travelling from France, including Calais, Dunkirk and/or the Channel Tunnel. Check with your travel provider before you travel.”

Eurostar updated its website on Friday to say: “There’s been a series of ongoing strikes in France since 7 March. 

“New days of mobilisation may be announced by French unions at short notice. The next one will take place on Monday 1 May.

“If we need to make timetable changes as a result, we’ll update this page and contact affected customers as soon as possible.”

More: EasyJet ‘in better place’ to cope with airport disruption

BA chief promises no repeat of last summer’s disruption

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.